‘Stop the Violence’ event in Mooretown ends after gunfire breaks out

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - A Mooretown event aimed to stop the violence ends abruptly after a series of shots nearby.

Ronald Collins was videoing the event for the Shreveport Sun. While in the middle of an interview, gunfire rang out.

Moments after the first series of shots rang out, Kenneth Thompson, a minister who spoke at the event used the opportunity to explain why the rally was being held in the first place.

“That’s what I am talking about right there. This is what I am talking about... Why we are out here to stop the violence, already we got three, four, or five shots that went off and we don’t know how many people have been hit.”

As Thompson is speaking, another series of gunshots that appear to be from high powered guns.

“The devil is busy,” Thompson said.

No one at the scene appeared injured, although a 74-year-old resident fell to the ground trying to run as the sounds of gunfire rang out.

Shreveport Police units responded to the scene shortly after the gunfire broke out.

Ruby Small, one of the curators of the Mooretown Community Garden of Faith actually organized the event after a drive-by shooting weeks before. In response to the violence, Small and other organizers held a ‘Stop the Violence’ event on Sunday, August 16 in an effort to create safer neighborhoods.

About 40 residents and community supporters participated in the event.

During the event where participants wore masks and maintained socially distancing guidelines. Participants had an opportunity to share their faith and prayer along with other positive messages.

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